Cricket

Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricket team's captain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time. His exceptional skills in both classical and aggressive batting have earned him a reputation as a modern-day batting maestro.Sharma's dominance in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is evident in his impressive average of over 49 and nearly 11,000 runs scored. He has also established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket, averaging over 45 and showcasing his ability to open the innings with aplomb.In June 2023, Sharma announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), but he remains the format's leading run-scorer with 4231 runs in 159 matches. His India teammate, Dhruv Jurel, has hailed Sharma as the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT)."When I watched him on TV, we thought he had a lot of time, but when you watch him bat live, you realize that the deliveries you are struggling against, he's picking them nicely. Everybody knows about his famous pull shot," Jurel said.Sharma will lead the Indian team in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. The squad includes several notable additions, such as pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal, and the return of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant after his recovery from a life-threatening accident.Virat Kohli, India's former captain, will also make his Test comeback after missing the home series against England due to the birth of his son. KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah have also returned to the Test set-up after injuries.The spin quartet of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will provide the team with both batting and bowling depth. Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Yash Dayal will form the pace attack.

Robin Singh, a Trinidadian-born cricketer, etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history as the first West Indies-born player to represent India in Test cricket. Despite a brief Test career, Robin's impact on Indian cricket extended far beyond his solitary Test match in 1989.Robin's true calling lay in the limited-overs format, where he became an indispensable member of the Indian ODI team. His tenacious batting, nimble fielding, and effective medium-pace bowling made him a versatile asset. He anchored the middle order, providing stability and making substantial contributions with the ball.Throughout his ODI career, Robin amassed over 2,000 runs and claimed 69 wickets in 136 matches. His performances were particularly crucial during India's 1999 Cricket World Cup campaign.After retiring from playing in 2004, Robin embarked on a successful coaching career. He played a pivotal role in nurturing the future stars of Indian cricket, starting with India's junior and A teams. His expertise in fielding led to his appointment as India's national team fielding coach, where he significantly improved the team's fielding standards.Robin's coaching journey also took him back to his Caribbean roots, where he coached teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He also became an integral part of the coaching staff for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing to their triumphs with his strategic insights.Robin Singh's legacy in Indian cricket is undeniable. His remarkable journey from Trinidad to becoming a legend in Indian cricket serves as an inspiration to many. His versatility, determination, and resilience left an enduring mark on the game, both as a player and a coach.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, is renowned for his exceptional batting prowess. However, a rare video has emerged showcasing Tendulkar's ability to unsettle opponents with his words.During an ODI match against Australia in India, Tendulkar engaged in a verbal altercation with former Australian captain Steve Waugh. The exact date of the match is unknown, but Tendulkar, known for his occasional bowling, was seen exchanging heated words with Waugh.In the video, Tendulkar and Waugh can be seen gesturing and exchanging words. Tendulkar's words seemed to have struck a nerve with Waugh, who attempted to assert his dominance by attempting a six off Tendulkar's bowling. However, Waugh's attempt proved futile as he was caught at long-on by Ajit Agarkar, becoming Tendulkar's 100th ODI wicket.Tendulkar's bowling, though not his primary skill, was often effective. He took 46 wickets in Tests and 154 in ODIs, demonstrating his versatility as a cricketer.Beyond his batting and bowling, Tendulkar's dedication to his team was evident in his pursuit of wickets. He famously reached the milestone of 100 international centuries, including 49 in ODIs and 51 in Tests. Virat Kohli recently surpassed Tendulkar's record of ODI centuries by scoring his 50th.Tendulkar's illustrious career spanned 200 Tests, where he amassed 15921 runs at an average of 53.79. In 463 ODIs, he scored a staggering 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. In addition to his 100 international centuries, Tendulkar also scored 68 half-centuries in Tests and 96 in ODIs.Tendulkar's legacy extends beyond his statistical achievements. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, inspiring generations of cricketers with his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

Ishan Kishan's historic double century against Bangladesh in December 2022 etched his name in the annals of cricket history. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the youngest and quickest player to reach the milestone in ODI cricket.Kishan's blistering innings of 210 not out off 131 deliveries was a testament to his exceptional talent and fearless approach. He smashed 24 fours and 10 sixes, propelling India to a mammoth total of 409/8. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he effortlessly cleared the boundary with ease.As Kishan reached the landmark, his batting partner Virat Kohli erupted in celebration, performing a joyous bhangra dance before embracing the left-hander. The moment was a testament to the camaraderie and respect within the Indian team.India has a rich history of batsmen who have breached the 200-run mark in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary master blaster, was the first to achieve this feat, scoring an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010. Virender Sehwag followed suit, smashing 219 against the West Indies in 2011.However, it is Rohit Sharma who holds the distinction of scoring the most double centuries in ODIs. The prolific opener has three such scores to his name: 209 against Australia in 2013, a record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, and an unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka in 2017.With his incredible innings against Bangladesh, Kishan became the fourth Indian batsman to join this elite club. India's rising star Shubman Gill joined the elite double century club after smashing 208 off 149 balls against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2023. His knock featured 19 fours and 9 sixes, making him the fifth Indian to accomplish this remarkable feat.Kishan's double century not only secured a resounding 227-run victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His ability to combine power-hitting with finesse makes him a formidable force in the limited-overs format.

Liam Livingstone, the dynamic English all-rounder, is determined to use his promotion in the T20I team as a springboard to reclaim his spot in the ODI setup. Despite being a key figure in England's T20 World Cup campaigns, Livingstone was surprisingly omitted from the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia.In the recent T20I against Australia, Livingstone showcased his versatility by top-scoring with 37 from No. 4 and claiming 3 for 22 with his legbreaks. He believes that his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset in both formats.Livingstone acknowledges that his recent struggles with injuries have hindered his progress. However, he is now fully fit and eager to prove his worth. He has been given the opportunity to bat at No. 4 in the T20I series, a role he prefers to the finisher position he has often occupied."I want that responsibility," Livingstone said. "I want to try to win games of cricket for England, and the higher up the order, the more chance you have of doing that."Despite being the second-oldest player in the T20I squad, Livingstone embraces the role of mentor to the younger players. He believes that the fresh environment and new coaching staff have brought a sense of renewal to the team."Things are going to change," Livingstone said. "That naturally happens when you bring in new players, but especially when you bring in new coaches as well. Things have felt different: it's like a new beginning."Livingstone's determination to regain his place in the ODI team is evident. He recognizes that his chances may be limited in the upcoming series due to the absence of Test players, but he is confident that his performances in the T20Is will put him in contention for the Champions Trophy in February."I'm not going to sit here and cry about not being picked," Livingstone said. "There's plenty of cricket to be played around the world, and if I'm not involved in the ODI stuff then there's plenty more opportunities."

Afghanistan's spin wizard Rashid Khan is set to make a much-anticipated return to ODI cricket after a lengthy absence. The legspinner has been named in the 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa in the UAE, starting on September 18.Khan's return is a major boost for Afghanistan, who have been without his services since the World Cup last October-November. The 24-year-old underwent back surgery after the tournament and has since been restricted to T20 cricket.However, Afghanistan will still be without mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is still recovering from a finger injury. Wristspinner Noor Ahmad has also been left out of the squad. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said offspinner AM Ghazanfar will cover for Mujeeb against South Africa.Despite the absence of Mujeeb and Noor, Rashid's return provides a significant boost to Afghanistan's bowling attack. The legspinner has been in impressive form in T20 cricket since his comeback, taking 20 wickets in 15 matches in the IPL, T20 World Cup, and MLC.Afghanistan have also called up uncapped medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami, and top-order batters Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik for the ODIs against South Africa. Rasooli has played seven T20Is, Malik has played two Tests, while Sami is yet to represent Afghanistan in any format.Malik has been called up as cover for the injured opening batter Ibrahim Zadran, who is ruled out with an ankle sprain.The three-match ODI series against South Africa will be Afghanistan's first bilateral ODI series against the Proteas. It will also serve as preparation for the Champions Trophy early next year, for which Afghanistan qualified by finishing sixth in the league stage of the 2023 World Cup.

On September 14, 2023, Rohit Sharma etched his name into the annals of cricket history by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record for the fastest player to reach 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The Indian captain achieved this remarkable feat in just 241 innings, 18 fewer than the legendary Tendulkar.Sharma's record-breaking moment came during an Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The "Hitman" reached the milestone in style, smashing a towering six off the bowling of Kasun Rajitha. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Sharma celebrated his historic achievement.Despite Sharma's impressive 48-ball 53, India was bowled out for a modest 213 in 49.1 overs. However, the Indian bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav, put in a spirited performance to secure a 41-run victory. Yadav claimed four wickets for 43 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two wickets each.Sharma's journey to 10,000 ODI runs has been marked by his exceptional batting prowess. Known for his aggressive style and ability to hit big shots, Sharma has scored three double centuries in ODIs, including a career-best 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.In the match against Sri Lanka, Sharma's opening partnership with Shubman Gill (19 off 25 balls) gave India a solid start. However, the Sri Lankan spinners, Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka, tightened their grip on the game, taking five and four wickets respectively.Despite the setback, India's bowlers rallied on the spin-friendly Colombo pitch. Yadav's four-wicket haul proved decisive, while Jadeja and Bumrah also made valuable contributions. Ultimately, India dismissed Sri Lanka for 172, securing a crucial win by 41 runs.Sharma's record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Sun Interrupts Play in Bizarre ODI Between India and New ZealandIn an unprecedented turn of events, the first ODI between India and New Zealand at McLean Park on January 23, 2019, was halted due to sunlight. The bizarre incident occurred during the day-night match, leaving players and spectators alike bewildered.Normally, cricket pitches are positioned in the North-South direction to avoid direct sunlight in the batsmen's line of sight. However, at McLean Park, the pitch is East-West facing, exposing the batsmen to the sun's glare.As the sun began to set, its rays shone directly into the eyes of the batsmen, making it difficult for them to see the ball. After the dinner break, the umpires decided to halt play for approximately half an hour to ensure the safety of the players.This was not the first time that sunlight had caused interruptions at McLean Park. Similar incidents had occurred during domestic competitions and reportedly at some English grounds. However, this was the first time that a sun-induced stoppage had occurred in an international match.Indian captain Virat Kohli expressed his surprise at the unusual interruption. "Never in my life," he said when asked about the halt. "It was funny. In 2014, I got out once with the sun in my eyes and this rule wasn't there then."At the time of the stoppage, India was chasing 158 and had reached 44/1 in 10 overs. Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan were batting on 2 and 29 respectively. Play resumed after the sun had set, and India went on to win the match by six wickets.The incident highlights the importance of considering all potential factors that can affect the safety and fairness of a cricket match. While rain-related interruptions are common, sun-induced stoppages are a rare but not unheard-of occurrence. As cricket continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more unusual and unexpected interruptions in the future.

England's fast-bowling sensation Gus Atkinson has been withdrawn from the 50-over squad for the upcoming series against Australia due to workload management concerns. Atkinson's impressive debut summer, where he claimed 34 wickets in six Tests, has prompted the England management to prioritize his long-term fitness.During the Sri Lanka series, Atkinson's pace noticeably declined, and he experienced a tight quad on day three at The Oval. Despite being deemed fit enough to bowl in the fourth innings, the management has opted to rest him for the ODIs against Australia.Olly Stone has been called up to replace Atkinson in the ODI squad. England's busy schedule, which includes a three-Test tour of Pakistan and a three-Test tour of New Zealand later this year, has necessitated careful player management.England's stand-in Test captain, Ollie Pope, expressed confidence in Atkinson's recovery and emphasized the importance of player management. "He's got a couple weeks off now to refresh and move forward," Pope said. "I think the way he bowled today and just chatting to him, he actually feels like it feels better today than it did when he first felt it."The short turnaround before England's winter touring commitments and the packed schedule of six more Tests before Christmas have made player management a top priority for the ECB. Five players involved against Sri Lanka, including Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Matt Potts, and Jamie Smith, have also been included in the ODI squad.Pope expressed confidence in the team's motivation for the Pakistan tour, where Ben Stokes is expected to return as captain. "Pulling an England shirt on is the greatest honor, so I don't think there needs to be much more motivation," Pope said. "We love touring as a team and everything's a new, exciting challenge."